How can Pakistan qualify for Super 8 of T20 World Cup 2026 after losing to India?

India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in their T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo on February 15.

Pakistan are in a difficult position in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 after a one-sided loss to India. After a narrow win over the Netherlands in the first game of the tournament in Colombo, Pakistan faced the USA in their next match.

Pakistan did well against the USA, convincingly defeating them to set up a juicy clash against arch-rivals India on February 15, 2026, at the RPS Colombo. Even though India lead in the head-to-head count, everyone eagerly awaits the clash between these two rivals.

The match saw India being asked to bat first by Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, and posted 175/7 in 20 overs, thanks to Ishan Kishan’s explosive 77-run knock, which included 10 fours and 3 sixes. A win was needed to qualify for the Super 8, but Pakistan’s top order crumbled under pressure.

Despite Usman Khan’s 44 runs, Pakistan were bowled out for 114 runs in 18 overs as India won the game by 61 runs and qualified for the next round, that is, the Super Eight. However, Pakistan’s equation was disturbed with this big loss, and their qualification hangs in the balance.

How can Pakistan qualify for the Super 8 round?

On the other hand, Pakistan were demoted, while the United States climbed to second place due to a higher net run rate. With only two matches remaining and India becoming the first team from Group A to advance to the next round, Pakistan and the United States are battling for the final spot.

Pakistan started their campaign well by winning their first two matches. But this massive 61-run loss to India has pushed their net run rate into the negative. Currently, Pakistan have a net run rate of -0.403.

They were consequently dropped to third place in the rankings, while the United States was elevated due to an NRR of +0.787.

Pakistan need to defeat Namibia in their final group-stage match to advance to the Super Eight stage, given that the USA have already played all of their matches. The USA and India will advance to the next round if Namibia manage to pull off an upset, eliminating Pakistan.

Remarkably, the Netherlands are in fourth place in the Group A points standings with just one victory to their name. If the Dutch somehow manage to beat a strong Indian team, there is a possibility that their NRR will be higher than Pakistan’s.  

However, the Salman Ali Agha-led team would be eager to defeat their opponents to guarantee a berth in the Super Eight, especially as the Pakistan vs Namibia match would take place before India’s last group-stage match against the Netherlands.

If Pakistan win against Namibia, they will automatically qualify for the next round, and the outcome of the India vs Netherlands clash won’t affect them at all. 

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